Before I tell the story

[Roy170364]

I would like to share the story of my 12 year old daughter and her friend being accused of shoplifting by a large retail store. However, I am still in the process of writing to and receiving replies from the company. No legal action has been taken yet. Would writing about it on this forum prejudice the case if it was to end up in court?

[Kati]

Re: Before I tell the story

to LB [MENTION=106204]Roy170364[/MENTION]

Are you talking about a 'company' called rlp by any chance?? ... I would like to hear your story, and I'm sure there are other Beagles such as [MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] and [MENTION=39331]ostell[/MENTION] would too!

I'll tag one of our site owners ( [MENTION=6]Amethyst[/MENTION] ) for advice too xx

[Roy170364]

Re: Before I tell the story

Hi,
My daughter and a friend visited a large sports retails shop to purchase some shorts. My daughter picked out two pairs of shorts and took them to a changing cubicle to try them on. When she exited the changing room a shop assistant was waiting for her and asked where the third pair of shorts were. My daughter explained that she only took two pairs in with her. Without checking the changing room for any other items the shop assistant called the manager and accused my daughter and her friend of stealing a pair of shorts.
The manager asked my daughter to hand over the third pair of shorts, which she didn't have and again explained that she had only taken two pairs into the changing cubicle. The manager then informed them that they had been seen on cctv taking three items into the changing room but exited with only two. He then explained that he had called the police and that both girls would be strip searched to find the goods. Obviously both girls got extremely upset. After a few minutes he released them and banned them from the shop. No police arrived and the goods were not found on the girls.
Unfortunate, I was 100 miles away when my daughter contacted me to tell me about the matter. However, her friends mother turned up at the shop and confronted the store manager. He explained to her that both girls had been seen on CCTV stealing the goods. The mother asked to see the footage. The managers first excuse for not supplying the evidence was that the camera was malfunctioning, this he did without moving from the spot. His second excuse was that the footage was subject to data protection. He also denied that he had stated that the girls would be strip searched. Eventually the parent of the other girl left the store.

I wrote a letter to the stores head office, sent it recorded delivery but had no reply. I waited approximately 4 weeks before sending another letter. After two weeks I received a reply firstly stating that my original letter had got lost due to such a large office, even though I had proof that it had been signed for. It continued with a sub heading of without prejudice, a term I understand relatively well but cannot see how this relates to this matter. It then went onto explain an investigation into the matter had been conducted by the area manager (who did this without speaking to the staff involved) it then continued to accuse both girls of shoplifting in the same store previous to this accusation. It concluded that the matter was now an internal matter and that they would not let me know any outcome due to company policy and concerning staff confidentiality.

I have subsequently discovered from the "information Commissioners Office" that company's are required by law to provide cctv on request, which is subject to a £10 charge. The company is also required to provide any information they hold concerning my daughter.

I believe that the response to my letter is completely fabricated, no investigation has been conducted. The accusation that both girls had been stop previously for shoplifting is completely unfounded. I believe this is a bully boy shop manager and assistant that thought it would be amusing to scare two young girls. I intent to take this matter as far as possible.

If anybody can assist or advise me on what to do next I would be extremely grateful.

roy170364

[des8]

Re: Before I tell the story

I hope your daughter and friend have now recovered from their ordeal.
Adults become frightened when falsely accused of theft (as we have seen on here), so it must be terrifying for two young girls.

I very much doubt much satisfaction will come from you pursuing this matter,
The store employees are entitled to question anyone they suspect of stealing, and although these were children there is no requirement for an appropriate adult to be present.
Their attitude and approach is however IMO appalling.
They do not have to supply the result of an internal investigation to anyone outside the company, although they should supply the requested CCTV (but can't if it is "accidentally" wiped).
Regarding accusations of a previous incident, do be aware that if you push for an explanation the store may make a complaint about the alleged thefts to the police.
The police will be duty bound to investigate, and this will inevitably mean a visit by the police to interview your daughter.
Although it would probably go no further than that, it would still be further stress for the two girls.

Whilst I understand your frustration and desire to go "as far as possible" I am concerned about the possible further upset that could be caused to the two girls.

[Roy170364]

Re: Before I tell the story

des8,
many thanks for your reply.